How to Paint DuraSeal Garage Door Weather Stripping

Can DuraSeal Garage Door Weather Stripping Be Painted?

Yes. DuraSeal Garage Door Side & Top Weather Stripping can be painted to coordinate with your garage door or exterior trim.

Because DuraSeal is made with a foamed PVC base and flexible PVC sealing fin, it’s important to use the right type and color of paint. Proper surface preparation and paint selection will help create a durable finish while protecting the PVC from excessive heat.

Before painting your DuraSeal, follow the recommendations below.

What Type of Paint Should I Use on DuraSeal?

For best results, use a high-quality, 100% acrylic latex exterior paint. Acrylic latex paint is flexible, handles changing outdoor temperatures well, and bonds effectively to properly prepared non-porous surfaces.

If you want to use a darker color, choose a vinyl-safe or solar-reflective paint specifically approved for PVC or vinyl surfaces. These paints are formulated to reduce heat absorption, helping protect the PVC from excessive heat.

Check the Paint Color's Light Reflectance Value (LRV)

This is especially important when choosing your color.

For standard exterior paint, we recommend choosing a color with a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 55 or higher.

LRV measures how much visible light a color reflects. Darker colors typically have a lower LRV and absorb more solar heat. Excessive heat buildup can cause PVC products to warp, buckle, crack, distort, or experience paint failure.

Want a darker color with an LRV below 55? Use a paint specifically formulated and approved by the paint manufacturer for vinyl or PVC. Look for products labeled vinyl-safe or solar-reflective, and follow the paint manufacturer's application requirements.

How to Prepare DuraSeal for Painting

A clean surface gives your paint the best chance to bond properly.

Clean the DuraSeal with mild soap and water to remove dirt, dust, grease, and other residue. Rinse as needed and allow the material to dry completely before applying paint.

Avoid painting over a dirty, damp, or contaminated surface.

Do I Need to Prime DuraSeal?

Not always. Many high-quality acrylic exterior paints are self-bonding and are designed to adhere to properly cleaned PVC without a separate primer.

For maximum adhesion, however, you can apply an exterior-grade bonding primer designed for slick or non-porous surfaces.

Always check the primer and paint manufacturer's instructions to confirm that the products are compatible with PVC and with each other.

Painting Tips for the Best Results

Once the DuraSeal is clean, dry, and properly prepared:

• Follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for temperature, application, drying, and recoating.
• Apply thin, even coats rather than one heavy coat.
• Allow each coat to dry fully before applying another.
• Avoid heavy paint buildup on the flexible sealing fin, which needs to remain flexible so it can maintain contact with the garage door.
• Allow the paint to cure according to the manufacturer's directions before putting the seal into regular service.

DuraSeal is designed to create a dependable barrier around the sides and top of your garage door, helping keep out drafts, moisture, dust, insects, and debris. Keeping the flexible fin free to move helps the weather stripping continue doing its job after painting.

A Note About Temperature

PVC becomes stiffer in cold temperatures. If you're handling or painting DuraSeal in cooler weather, allow the material to warm to room temperature first. Action Direct recommends working with DuraSeal above 50°F, with 60°F or warmer providing easier handling.

If your DuraSeal has just arrived coiled, we also recommend allowing it to relax and straighten before installation. You can find additional preparation and installation recommendations in our DuraSeal Installation Tips guide.

Quick Reference

• Recommended paint: 100% acrylic latex exterior paint
• Recommended LRV: 55 or higher
• Using a darker color: Choose a vinyl-safe or solar-reflective paint approved for PVC/vinyl
• Surface preparation: Clean with mild soap and water and allow to dry completely
• Primer: Optional; use an exterior bonding primer if additional adhesion is needed
• Important: Avoid excessive paint buildup on the flexible sealing fin

Following these guidelines will help you customize your DuraSeal while maintaining the durability and flexibility needed for an effective garage door seal.